In a historic moment marking the end of his tenure as Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria officially handed over the leadership of the regional bloc to President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone.
The handover took place during the 67th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, held in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, on Sunday. The event also coincided with the celebration of 50 years of ECOWAS, a milestone that President Tinubu used to call for greater unity, peace, and economic cooperation across the region.
“It has been an honour to serve as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority. I thank my brothers and sisters across West Africa for their support,” Tinubu said.
He praised the progress made during his one-year tenure, especially in security cooperation, diplomatic engagement, and economic integration efforts. He emphasized the need for continued leadership and commitment to the ECOWAS vision.
“Our region is facing serious challenges—terrorism, political instability, and economic hardship. But with unity, shared responsibility, and action, we can overcome them,” Tinubu added.
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President Julius Maada Bio, who now takes over as ECOWAS Chairman, expressed appreciation for the trust placed in him and pledged to build on the achievements of his predecessor. “This is a great responsibility, and I commit myself to leading with integrity, focus, and in the spirit of regional unity,” Bio said.
His appointment was widely applauded by other heads of state present at the summit, as well as delegates from across the ECOWAS member countries.
During his time as Chair, President Tinubu championed several key initiatives. He led efforts to complete the ECOWAS Military Logistics Depot in Sierra Leone. Under his leadership, Nigeria signed agreements with the African Union to support regional peace operations. He launched diplomatic engagements with Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger to encourage their return to democratic governance. He also hosted the first ECOWAS Trade and Investment Forum in Lagos to strengthen economic ties across the region.
Tinubu’s tenure was also marked by a strong push for the activation of the ECOWAS Standby Force, which he said must move from “concept to reality” in the face of growing threats like terrorism and transnational crimes.
“No single nation can tackle these threats alone. We must act collectively and urgently,” he insisted.
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As President Bio assumes leadership, expectations are high. Tinubu urged him and other West African leaders to continue pushing for a borderless regional economy, improved infrastructure, and digital transformation to unlock the potential of the region’s youth and entrepreneurs. He also stressed the need to empower women as key drivers of development, not just beneficiaries.
“Together, let us craft a roadmap for a secure, integrated, and prosperous West Africa,” Tinubu advised as he took a bow.
